What are the prerequisites for the course?

When should students begin their internship process?

Students interested in participating in the internship program are urged to consult
with the internship director at least one semester in advance so there will be ample
time to secure a good assignment. Students may be allowed to add the course when the
semester begins (even without prior consultation) but only by the approval of the
instructor. Finding an internship sometimes can take several weeks. Thus, students
are strongly encouraged to begin searching for a placement the semester prior to the
planned internship.

How is the internship assignment determined?

In most instances, the department does not place a particular student in a specific
internship. Instead, students are encouraged to make their own arrangements with participating
organizations. This provides the student with valuable job-seeking experience. The
department does try, however, to “connect” students to specific internships that meet
their skill levels and interests. Students also may come into the program with an
internship in mind; this is acceptable, but it is important that the organization
understands the rules and purpose of our internship. The internship is not cheap labor
for private companies. The experience must be well rounded and replete with evaluations.

What is required of the participating organization?

San José State University requires all internship sites to complete a RTVF department
contract. The department contract (one page) is to establish the student assignment
with the site. This agreement stipulates that all internship sites are required to
provide proof of liability insurance before any student may begin working.

After the site-university relationship is legally established (paperwork is completed),
the site is responsible for three tasks: provide relevant work experience for the
students, supervise their work at the internship site, and evaluate the students
upon completion of the internship. This can be done by letter or by a form provided
by the department.

Are interns paid for their work?

The RTVF department encourages, but does not require, businesses to compensate interns
for their services (in addition to the academic credit received). Thus, some internships
are paid; others are not. This is a matter to be worked out between the individuals
involved. We have increasing numbers of students advancing to the internship stage
and, therefore, many more sites are needed. The competition creates an additional
incentive for organizations to provide compensation (or an educational stipend) because
paid internships are snapped up the quickest.

What is required of the students?

How is the student’s work schedule determined? How many hours of work does the program
require?

The program requires each student to complete a minimum of 100 hours of supervised
work for the participating organization. Students who wish to do so may make arrangements
with their sites to continue their internships beyond the 100-hour minimum requirement.
Scheduling of the 100 hours is left to the student and the participating organization.
Most students are enrolled in classes while interning, and individual schedules vary
considerably. Spread over an entire semester, the 100 hours breaks down to about 8
to 10 hours per week.

How is the grade determined?

According to university policy, grading is credit/no credit. Credit is awarded only
on completion of requirement for the course including attendance at consultations,
résumé, background research on the placement, contract, research design, weekly journal
entries, consultations with the director, final paper, placement's evaluation, and
thank-you letter from the student to the placement. No late reports will be accepted
without prior arrangement.

Can a student do an internship without taking either the TA or RTVF198 courses?

University and RTVF/TA departmental policy, in addition to most labor union regulations
and corporate policy, require that students be enrolled in RTVF198 in order to do
an internship with any organization. Any company work done by a student without being
enrolled in the Internship course will be considered unauthorized and no retroactive
credit will be given. Simply put, students must be enrolled in the internship course
while they are doing the internship. There are no exceptions to this rule.